Great Character...

So, what is a good determiner of character in an individual?  What in life reflects the truth of who we are?  Is it grades, position, money, skill, looks, or degrees?  I suppose these things might be affected by character... but are they what define it?

I was thinking about this tonight.  Not sure why, except that I have seen too many people struggle to stay afloat in what our culture has deemed to be important.  I too, have wrestled with it!  Either the essence of character has become physical or the pursuit of appeal & popularity has become more important.  At any rate, I prefer the pursuit of great character.

Great character:

• is found in the study habits and perseverance to do ones' best, not in the test result.

• has the ability to laugh when it fails and tries again.  If unsuccessful, it's OK to let someone else do the job.
• celebrates someone elses successes.
• does not live in the confines of shame and regret but walks in humility and adventure.
  
• is generous and kind, patient and gracious, compassionate and lovingly truthful.
  

             ... I think you know what I am getting at. 

Fight the urge to perform and to prove yourself.  Fight it with truth - the truth that you are loved, no matter what you do or how well you perform.  When you find that, you will have a prevailing peace regardless of what is coming at you.

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"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3